the presidential debate is next wednesday. they're going to look to see what each candidate is going to say. ultimately, mitt romney has to come out and make some real discussion on what his plan is. everybody is sitting and waiting. investors and americans are going to be sitting and watching intently. >> what earnings season is going to be. >> i was just going to ask you. >> expectations have come down a bit. i wouldn't be surprised if we do better than estimates. >> isn't that the trick all the time? talk it out, talk it out. look how great we're doing. i think the i think vnvestors a smartening up. >> thank you, gentlemen. stay tuned. hour number two of the "closing bell" with maria is coming up. see you tomorrow. >>> it is 4:00 on wall street. do you know where your money is? hi, everybody. welcome back to the "closing bell." i'm maria bartiromo at the new york stock exchange. another tough day for stocks with the markets losing steam headed into the close. today's losses coming on the backdrop of more violent protests in